The Detroit Lions have an obvious and immediate need at cornerback. They are down two starters, D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, and Khalil Dorsey and Ennis Rakestraw are also on the injured reserve list. Although the Lions elevated Tre Flowers in Week 5 and just signed Arthur Maulet to their practice squad, a bigger move for a more proven cornerback is needed.
One of the speculated names for a potential trade was Greg Newsome II of the Cleveland Browns. Where the Browns are as a franchise, Newsome being on an expiring contract, and the fact that the Lions have reportedly had interest in trading for him in the 2024 offseason, made the veteran cornerback an obvious target for Detroit. Unfortunately, any potential deal is officially dead in the water.
On Wednesday night, however, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Browns were trading Newsome to the Jacksonville Jaguars, instead.
Perfect Lions Trade Target Greg Newsome Dealt to Jaguars
The price tag for Newsome was a sixth-round pick (from the New York Jets) and cornerback Tyson Campbell. On paper, this seems like a lateral move for both sides, suggesting that it was a financially-driven decision. Newsome will need a contract extension this offseason, while Campbell is on a four-year, $76.50 contract he signed in the 2024 offseason.
The Browns were potentially looking for a player ready to contribute right away in return for Newsome. The Lions couldn't have offered a cornerback in return in a trade offer for Newsome, but could have easily beaten Jacksonville's offer, at least in terms of draft capital. This would have landed them a versatile backfield defender who has been playing well as an outside cornerback to start the season. Newsome's 63.9 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus places him above the likes of Robertson and Arnold through five weeks.
Newsome has not turned into the star cornerback many thought he would become in the NFL, but he still has solid upside, thanks to his athletic and physical tools. He is especially long at six-foot-one, and has a physical style that could be a good fit in Detroit.
Fortunately for the Lions, there are still some solid veterans in free agency waiting to be signed. Until they make a move, however, Detroit will have to heavily rely on Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox. The depth behind them is dubious, and let's hope that it doesn't come back to bite them in the crucial Week 6 matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.